The 8 Best Countries for Trail Running
- Laura Whyms
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
Incredible trail running destinations for your next adventure
There is something uniquely satisfying about exploring a country on foot. You notice the landscape differently, move through places that cars and buses can't reach, and earn every viewpoint along the way.
For runners, that makes a trail running holiday one of the best ways to travel.
From high alpine paths and rugged mountain passes to coastal trails, ancient forests and remote valleys, the world's best trail running destinations offer far more than beautiful routes. They combine adventure, nature, culture and the simple pleasure of running somewhere completely new.
But which countries are best for trail running?
We've picked eight destinations that stand out for their scenery, variety of terrain, running culture and sheer sense of adventure. Whether you're looking for a challenging mountain running holiday, a scenic running weekend or an unforgettable trail running trip abroad, these countries deserve a place on your list.
Contents:
1. United Kingdom
The UK's best trail running destinations are right on your doorstep
You don't need to travel halfway around the world to experience incredible trail running.
The UK is packed with spectacular landscapes, ancient paths and long-distance trails, making it one of the most accessible countries for a trail running holiday.
From the rolling chalk hills of southern England to the mountains of Scotland and Wales, there is an enormous variety of terrain to explore.
The South Downs offers flowing ridgelines, woodland and sweeping views across the English countryside, while the Lake District delivers something altogether more mountainous, with steep climbs, rocky paths and spectacular views across the fells.
Further north, Northumberland combines wild countryside with dramatic coastline, while Cornwall is perfect for runners who love coastal trails, sea views and rugged cliffs. And for something a little more relaxed, the New Forest provides beautiful woodland running on relatively gentle terrain.
Scotland and Wales, meanwhile, offer some of the UK's most dramatic mountain running, with routes that can feel surprisingly wild despite being relatively close to civilisation.
Why trail runners love the UK
Incredible variety of landscapes
Hundreds of long-distance trails
Mountain, woodland and coastal running
No international travel required for UK runners
Excellent destinations for running weekends
For anyone looking for trail running holidays in the UK, the biggest challenge might simply be deciding where to go first.
2. France
Run beneath Mont Blanc in the home of alpine trail running
Few places have a stronger connection to trail running than the French Alps.
At the centre of it all is Chamonix, sitting beneath Mont Blanc and surrounded by some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. The town has become synonymous with trail running thanks in large part to the legendary UTMB, but you don't need to enter an ultra to appreciate what makes the area so special.
The trails around Chamonix range from runnable valley paths through forests and meadows to steep alpine climbs and technical mountain singletrack. High above the valley, routes reveal views of glaciers, jagged peaks and alpine lakes.
It is this combination of accessibility and scale that makes France such an incredible destination for a trail running holiday. You can spend one day exploring a beautiful balcony trail and the next tackling a serious mountain climb.
And then there is the food. After a day in the mountains, few things beat sitting down to a plate of traditional Alpine food.
Why trail runners love France
World-class Alpine trails
Mont Blanc and Chamonix
Huge variety of terrain
Iconic trail running culture
Incredible mountain scenery
Excellent hut-to-hut running opportunities
For runners inspired by the UTMB races, a Chamonix running holiday offers the chance to experience the landscape without the pressure of race day.
3. Italy
The Dolomites are trail running heaven
The Dolomites might be one of the most beautiful places in Europe to run.
Their distinctive limestone peaks rise dramatically from green alpine meadows, creating a landscape that looks almost too perfect to be real. Between the mountains you'll find winding singletrack, high passes, alpine lakes and traditional mountain huts.
For trail runners, the Dolomites offer the perfect ingredients for an adventure: challenging climbs, flowing trails, spectacular descents and scenery that makes you want to stop every few minutes for another photograph.
One of the best ways to experience the region is through hut-to-hut trail running. Rather than returning to the same hotel every evening, you can run from one mountain refuge to another, carrying only what you need and spending the night high in the mountains.
It's a completely different way to experience a running holiday.
And, of course, there is the Italian food. Mountain running somehow makes pasta, pizza and risotto taste even better.
Why trail runners love Italy
Iconic Dolomite peaks
Beautiful alpine singletrack
Hut-to-hut adventures
Mountain lakes and high passes
Incredible Italian food
A huge range of trail running routes
If you're looking for trail running holidays in Europe, the Dolomites should be very high on the list.
4. Japan
Ancient trails, mountain forests and a completely different running experience
Japan might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about trail running, but it should be.
Beyond the neon lights and busy streets of Tokyo and Osaka lies a country of mountains, forests and ancient paths. Much of Japan is mountainous, creating an enormous network of trails through landscapes that can feel worlds away from its famous cities.
The Japanese Alps are particularly spectacular for trail running, with dramatic peaks, dense forests, alpine valleys and traditional mountain communities.
But what makes Japan such an interesting destination isn't just the scenery. Running here can become a way of experiencing Japanese culture. Trails can pass through ancient villages, temples, shrines and forests that have been part of the landscape for centuries.
It is also a destination where running can easily become part of a much bigger adventure. A morning on the trail can be followed by exploring a traditional town, soaking in an onsen or eating an incredible local meal.
Why trail runners love Japan
Dramatic mountain landscapes
Dense forests and alpine trails
Ancient paths and pilgrimage routes
Unique culture and traditions
Incredible food
A completely different trail running experience
A Japan running holiday is ideal for anyone who wants their running adventure to be about more than simply covering kilometres.
5. Pakistan
Trail running beneath some of the world's highest mountains
For runners who want something genuinely adventurous, Pakistan is difficult to beat.
The country's northern regions are home to the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges, creating a landscape on an entirely different scale. Towering peaks, enormous valleys, glacial rivers and remote mountain villages combine to create one of the world's most extraordinary environments for adventure travel.
Trail running here isn't necessarily about chasing pace or ticking off kilometres. Some routes involve steep climbs, technical terrain and sections where hiking becomes the sensible option.
That's part of the appeal.
Pakistan offers a chance to slow down and experience the mountains properly. You might find yourself running along a narrow trail above a valley, crossing a suspension bridge, passing through a remote village or stopping simply because the view is too spectacular not to take in.
For experienced runners and adventurous travellers, this is the kind of destination that can turn a running holiday into a genuine expedition.
Why trail runners love Pakistan
Huge Himalayan and Karakoram landscapes
Remote mountain valleys
High-altitude adventure
Glacial rivers and dramatic scenery
Rich local culture
A genuinely off-the-beaten-track experience
If the phrase adventure running holiday means more to you than simply running somewhere pretty, Pakistan belongs on your list.
6. Georgia
Discover the wild side of the Caucasus
Georgia is one of Europe's most underrated trail running destinations.
The Caucasus Mountains provide the backdrop for huge mountain landscapes, remote valleys, alpine meadows and traditional villages. It is the sort of place where a day's run can feel like a proper adventure.
The Kazbegi region is particularly spectacular. Trails wind through valleys and highlands beneath dramatic peaks, while traditional villages and ancient churches provide reminders that people have travelled through these mountains for centuries.
One of the joys of trail running in Georgia is the feeling of space. The landscape is enormous, the trails can be wonderfully quiet, and there is a sense that you're discovering somewhere rather than simply visiting a tourist attraction.
Then there is Georgian hospitality. Long meals, local wine, fresh food and an incredibly welcoming culture make the experience just as memorable when you're off the trail.
Why trail runners love Georgia
Dramatic Caucasus Mountains
Remote and uncrowded trails
Alpine meadows and valleys
Traditional mountain villages
Incredible Georgian hospitality
A strong sense of adventure
For runners looking beyond the obvious European destinations, Georgia trail running offers something genuinely different.
7. Iceland
Volcanic landscapes made for adventure
Iceland feels as though it was designed for trail running.
Few countries offer such a dramatic combination of landscapes in such a relatively small area. Volcanic mountains, black sand, glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, geothermal areas and vast open valleys create scenery that changes constantly as you run.
The trails can feel wild and remote, but that's exactly what makes Iceland such a memorable trail running destination.
One minute you can be running beside a waterfall; the next you're crossing a barren volcanic landscape with mountains stretching towards the horizon.
Iceland is also particularly appealing during the summer months, when the long daylight hours give runners more time to explore. There's something special about finishing a run late in the evening while the landscape is still glowing in the light.
And like the Dolomites, Iceland lends itself brilliantly to multi-day and hut-to-hut running adventures.
Why trail runners love Iceland
Volcanic landscapes
Glaciers and waterfalls
Black sand and lava fields
Remote wilderness
Long summer daylight
Incredible multi-day trail running
If you're looking for a running holiday abroad that feels genuinely otherworldly, Iceland is hard to beat.
8. Norway
Fjords, mountains and endless trails
Norway is almost unfairly beautiful.
Deep blue fjords cut through huge mountain landscapes, waterfalls tumble down cliffs and trails climb towards viewpoints that seem to stretch endlessly into the distance.
For trail runners, the combination is irresistible.
Norway offers everything from relatively gentle coastal paths to steep mountain routes and long days exploring the wilderness. The cooler climate can also make summer running particularly enjoyable compared with hotter trail destinations.
One of the best things about running in Norway is the sheer scale of the landscape. Even relatively short runs can deliver enormous views, and there is a wonderful feeling of freedom that comes from being surrounded by mountains, water and open space.
It's also a country where the concept of friluftsliv, a love of spending time outdoors, is deeply embedded in everyday life. You don't have to look far to find people hiking, running and enjoying the landscape.
Why trail runners love Norway
Dramatic fjords
Huge mountain scenery
Cool running conditions
Coastal and mountain trails
Vast wilderness
A strong outdoor culture
For runners who want their next trail running adventure to feel wild, spacious and spectacular, Norway is an obvious choice.
So, where should you go trail running?
The best trail running destination depends on the kind of adventure you're looking for.
Want dramatic mountains? France, Italy, Georgia or Norway.
Want something completely different? Japan or Pakistan.
Prefer volcanic wilderness? Iceland.
Want incredible trails without leaving the UK? The United Kingdom has more than enough to keep you exploring for years.
And if you're looking for a destination that combines running with culture, food and exploration, all eight countries offer something far beyond simply following a trail.
That's what makes trail running holidays so special. You're not just travelling somewhere and going for a run. The running becomes the way you experience the destination.
Explore the world with Run Weekends
At Run Weekends, we believe the best running holidays are about much more than the miles. We create small-group running adventures in incredible destinations around the world, combining guided trail runs with great landscapes, local experiences and plenty of time to enjoy the places we visit. From UK running weekends to the Dolomites, Chamonix, Japan, Pakistan, Georgia and beyond, our trips are designed for runners who want to explore the world on foot. If you're ready for your next trail running holiday, running adventure or running trip abroad, take a look at our latest adventures and find your next destination.
Ready for your next running adventure?
Explore the latest trail running holidays and running weekends from Run Weekends and start planning where your feet will take you next.
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